In her bold, expressive paintings, fine artist Leslie Nolan tears down the barriers we all erect to mask our inner emotions, exposing hidden feelings. Based in Virginia near Washington, DC, Nolan has been creating and exhibiting in the USA and internationally since 1998. More than a way to capture a likeness, her expressive figurative work reflects an underlying concern with the human condition.

Distinguished by lively brushwork, vivid color, and texture, the paintings remain ambiguous and open to interpretation. A feeling of intimacy surges through each work. Viewers, imposing their own personal experiences on the emotionally rich imagery, respond individually and uniquely. The artist’s innovative paintings have been widely shown in the United States and abroad at museums, galleries, and art fairs, including Art Basel Miami Week, Los Angeles, New York City, Richmond, Washington DC, London and elsewhere. Leslie usually features acrylic paints in her work, but often uses house paint and other mixed media, too. Each piece is original and one of a kind.

Her artwork has been featured and reviewed in many magazines and newspapers, including the Washington Post, American Psychologist magazine, Elan magazine, American Art Collector magazine, and on the Public Broadcasting Service national journalism website Next Avenue, “Picturing Success.”

Born in Oregon, Leslie studied at the University of Madrid in Spain, has a BA from Portland State University and holds MS degrees from both the George Washington University and the National Defense University. Leslie had a distinguished career in national security here and abroad with the US Government. Since retirement from the US Department of State she has been a working artist at her Virginia studio. She is represented by Calloway Fine Art & Consulting in Washington DC’s prestigious Georgetown area. For details of her significant accomplishments, please see the CV section.